Watching firefly

POSTED BY: farscapeman
UPDATED: Thursday, August 27, 2009 12:49
VIEWED: 16504
PAGE 1 of 1

FARSCAPEMAN

Sunday, July 26, 2009 4:57 AM

Wow! I just watched the first show sernity. The action,humor, and drama are amazing. I have seen so many shows that have hooked me in in season 1. This show hooks you in in episode 1. I think Jane is my fav so far. I can't wait to see where the show takes you. I will post on here as I watch each episode and would love to hear spoiler free thoughts on each episode from all you experts out here. Does the show stay as good as this first one was? I liked the Star wars the future is dirty and western feel to it. Some one said mal was like han solo. I so see that! How show that starts off this well got cancelled is beyond me. Wow! I can't say enough. The ship felt so real.
I am glad JAne didnt turn on Mal. Anara seems like a future geisha or somthing. The speak chinese so I am guessing china takes over the world in the future is what they are getting at. The priest should alot to the story as well. I would like one spoiler answered. Is River really his sister?
THanks

ODESSA762

Sunday, July 26, 2009 5:33 AM

Yes, River is his sister.

You do realize that the DVD box set arranges the episodes in the order that Joss Whedon envisioned - not in the order they originally aired, right? The 'Pilot' episode you just watched did not air 'first'.

China takes over the world? Uhhh...no.

Is the rest of the show as good as the pilot? Well, why do you think the show is so popular ;)

Welcome to the party!

BORIS

Sunday, July 26, 2009 5:41 AM

The rest of the show is extremely good....which is why here we all are still deeply attached to it etc etc quite a few years after it's unfair annihilation. warning: you will get hooked....and you will be as mystified as the rest of us re why it was ever cancelled. Enjoy!

ECGORDON

Sunday, July 26, 2009 12:49 PM

The pilot episode was the last one that FOX ran, if you can believe that. And they had already decided to cancel it at that point, even though they hadn't formally announced it yet.

Yes, it does get better. In my opinion it is as close to perfection as television has ever come. Character, plot, attention to detail, believability while still being totally imaginary.

There are two episodes that are consistently at the top of fan favorite lists, "Out of Gas" and "Objects in Space," but you will find a lot of support for just about every other episode as well. Note that "Trash," "The Message" and "Heart of Gold" were not aired by FOX, so were never seen until the DVDs came out.

Please be careful reading this site. Lots of spoilers, some even in the thread title itself. It might be best if you just go on a marathon viewing binge, making notes as you go, but not returning here until you've seen it all. Massive spoilers also abound concering the theatrical movie "Serenity," so watch out.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

NEWOLDBROWNCOAT

Sunday, July 26, 2009 1:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
Does the show stay as good as this first one was?

Dude, in case nobody has exactly said it, THE SHOW GETS BETTER.
Spider Robinson once wrote that one of the nicest things a person can say to another is, " You lucky SOB, you're about to be newly introduced to something I already know is great."

Welcome to the party, you lucky SOB...

FARSCAPEMAN

Sunday, July 26, 2009 3:24 PM

Wow! Thanks for the great thoughts. Nice to hear the show will stay strong. With advice up top I will only go to this thread and post after I watch the show. Thanks making me feel welcomed.

YERSINIA

Monday, July 27, 2009 12:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
Wow! Thanks for the great thoughts. Nice to hear the show will stay strong. With advice up top I will only go to this thread and post after I watch the show. Thanks making me feel welcomed.

Yeah, welcome to the Verse! I'm almost as new as you -- friend of mine just gave me the Firefly series and Serenity movie about a month ago: I've watched seven top to bottom "marathons" of the whole thing to date. I still love it, will be running my next "marathon" in the next couple days or so.

If I may, and I mean no disrespect, I have to laugh a little at your comment that "the show will stay strong." Ummm, sorry, but the stupid television powers-that-be cancelled the show 7 years ago, and it only ran for one season. What's going strong still is the fandom, not the show itself, which is off the air, no new episodes being written/produced.

Now here's why I have to laugh (and it just so figures that I ended up falling in love with Firefly) -- kind of a personal observation really... what scant amount of commercial entertainment I noticed and got attached to -- it's all dead, except in the minds and hearts of the fans, where it lives intensely. Before Firefly, the only TV show I was ever a serious fan of (and I still am) was Star Trek (which died when the Voyager series died: post-Voyager wasn't Star Trek, it was goram crap) -- and still my favorite Trek is the original series. Also, the one computer game I play is The Sims, the original game! I didn't like Sims 2 when I tried it (at my friend's house on numerous occasions) and I'm not interested in Sims 3 at all. But, just like Firefly, old Star Trek and the original Sims live on strong in the minds and hearts of their fans, and on plenty of Internet forums.

So I guess I'm just totally and completely retro -- and that's why I gotta laugh.

"Call me if anyone interesting shows up..."

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Monday, July 27, 2009 5:45 AM

Welcome to the insanity, errr, the fanaticism.
You were lucky enough to see Serenity first. For the original airing, it was aired AFTER Fox had cancelled the show, Joss and Tim had rewritten some of the already aired shows/scenes, final filming had been completed, the entire cast had said their final goodbyes, and the show was wrapped on Dec 20, 2002, then everybody went home to find that Fox was finally airing the Pilot Serenity that night.
Pilot Serenity won the Emmy Award that season for Special Effects, and now most shows have copied the award-winning effects from that show.
The first aired episode was The Train Job.

Enjoy yourself.

If you haven't already, check out the deleted scenes or extended scenes from that Pilot episode. They should not detract from your enjoyment, and may add to it as you go through the rest of the show.

PIRATECAT

Monday, July 27, 2009 4:13 PM

FarScapeMan, Just a damn good show. Another one I liked for me was Special Unit Two. I like midgets on screen. Now I think after 9/11 people were not consumed with tv scifi. Everyone was into the fox network news.

"Battle of Serenity, Mal. Besides Zoe here, how many-" "I'm talkin at you! How many men in your platoon came out of their alive".

JONGSSTRAW

Monday, July 27, 2009 4:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
Wow! I just watched the first show sernity. The action,humor, and drama are amazing. I have seen so many shows that have hooked me in in season 1. This show hooks you in in episode 1. I think Jane is my fav so far. I can't wait to see where the show takes you. I will post on here as I watch each episode and would love to hear spoiler free thoughts on each episode from all you experts out here. Does the show stay as good as this first one was? I liked the Star wars the future is dirty and western feel to it. Some one said mal was like han solo. I so see that! How show that starts off this well got cancelled is beyond me. Wow! I can't say enough. The ship felt so real.
I am glad JAne didnt turn on Mal. Anara seems like a future geisha or somthing. The speak chinese so I am guessing china takes over the world in the future is what they are getting at. The priest should alot to the story as well. I would like one spoiler answered. Is River really his sister?
THanks

I had a mini-marathon this weekend....watched all 4 eps. on disc 2, plus Objects in Space. It never gets old for me ....goin' on 3 years now, and it never gets old, it only still gets better. You always see different things, and you think about situations differently because of the posts that folks here write start you thinkin'!

FARSCAPEMAN

Monday, July 27, 2009 6:00 PM

I meant the fandom is going strong. Where are the deleted scenes? I didn't see them on the disk? I saw some frefly fan docu on line is that any good?

RIPWASH

Monday, July 27, 2009 6:25 PM

Hi there, Farscapeman! Welcome!

I know it gets a little confusing, but just watch the episodes in order as they appear on the the DVD's. Ignore the "originally aired" dates and just enjoy the awesomeness as it presents itself before you. I was terribly sad when I realized how short-lived the series really was, but I still find great enjoyment in watching the series over and over again. Don't forget to pick up the movie "Serenity" which was made two years after the series went off the air. It answers some questions raised in the series but still leaves many more to be pondered over.

If you're refering to "Done The Impossible", then yes. Definately watch it after you get done watching the series and the movie. It will give you some further insight to the show and the enthusiastic fanbase behind it. It has effected more folk than you may realize.

*********************************************

"It's okay! I'm a leaf on the wind!!!"
"What does that mean?!?!?!"

YERSINIA

Monday, July 27, 2009 8:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by RIPWash:
I know it gets a little confusing, but just watch the episodes in order as they appear on the the DVD's. Ignore the "originally aired" dates and just enjoy the awesomeness as it presents itself before you. I was terribly sad when I realized how short-lived the series really was, but I still find great enjoyment in watching the series over and over again. Don't forget to pick up the move "Serenity" which was made two years after the series went off the air. It answers some questions raised in the series but still leaves many more to be pondered over.

Whoa. You couldn't have put this better, Ripwash! When my friend gave me the DVDs of the show and movie, what I did EXACTLY was watch the episodes in order they were on the DVDs, starting with the pilot. Then at the end (i.e., after "Objects in Space"), I put on the movie. Definitely the optimal way to go! I ran FIVE consecutive marathons like that, then a couple days later, a sixth for my boyfriend who was here for that weekend (because I knew he'd love it too, and I was right!) -- and after he went home I had to go for number 7!

You know this puts me in a really odd position in terms of wondering what to think. I mean here we have this wonderful Firefly show on our DVDs which nobody would have seen if Fox hadn't put it on television in the first place -- yet this same Fox was STUPID enough to NOT broadcast the episodes as its creator intended (pilot first), which, if they HAD, probably would have hooked more people sooner/gotten the show better ratings which would have kept it on the air, right? But they didn't even broadcast it that way, they could't warm the audience/get good ratings so then they "had to" cancel it before it actually even quite goes a FULL season, why, because its ratings weren't good enough?! How much MORE frickin retarded can retarded even GET?

Or did Fox decide for some incomprehensible reason they WANTED the show to fail so they did this on purpose (but if so, then why take it on and broadcast it at all?!) -- or -- would it have gotten cancelled no matter what they did because the show was just too damn intelligent and thought provoking than what 99.9% of the American public can deal with?

Ehhh, who knows, and for all I care at this point, every single goram television network in existence can go bankrupt and disappear. At least I have the Firefly DVDs.

"Call me if anyone interesting shows up..."

ECGORDON

Monday, July 27, 2009 10:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
Where are the deleted scenes? I didn't see them on the disk?

All the deleted scenes, plus other extras, are on Disc Four. Unless you're watching the Blu-Ray set, then some of the extras are on each disc, and deleted scenes are on Disc Three.

Others have already said this, but I just wanted to reinforce the notion that Firefly never gets old, you can watch it again and again and it still retains its freshness and brilliance. In fact, you will appreciate it more as you watch it more.

I was one of the lucky fans (or unlucky I suppose) who watched the show from the beginning on FOX. The cancellation hurt a lot, but I got the DVDs as soon as they were released (December 2003) and have watched them at least twenty times. I still have the regular DVD set, but mainly to loan out to others I think will enjoy it, but I also have the Blu-Ray set, and have watched it completely three times so far. I've probably only seen the BDM twelve or thirteen times so far, but will continue to enjoy it as well.

By the way, in case you haven't figured it out or someone else hasn't already told you, the "BDM" is what we call the movie Serenity, and that stands for Big Damn Movie, which you will understand once you have watched the episode "Safe."

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

SHINYVAL

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 2:53 AM

Hello I'm new here...

Anyways, I was also introduced to this series after its cancellation by my parents, and it is definately the best show ever, and best watched in the order that Joss intended.

And I also flipped out when my momma told me that there wasn't another DVD set with more Firefly.

I have watched it too many times to count and I know you will also flip out after you watch "Objects in Space" and your journey ends.

Also, "Shindig" is my favorite episode.

"You don't seem to be looking at the destinations. What you care about is the ships, and mine's the nicest."

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 9:47 AM

Somebody said don't come here until you've seen them all.
But you can, while looking at this thread, make a shortcut, or bookmark, or favorites tab, which can then get you back right here in future days, without seeing other thread titles or forums which might have spoilers.

I know some people prefer the sequence listed on the DVDS, but I prefer the originally intended, written, and filmed sequence, which is the sequence on the DVDs until the last 4, changing from WS, Trash, Message, HoG, OiS to the original WS, HoG, OiS, Trash, Message. The included originally aired scene of OiS puts it together.

FARSCAPEMAN

Thursday, July 30, 2009 3:29 AM

why watch in a diffrent order when you get to the last four? Why is it you do that? Does the story flow better that way?

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
why watch in a diffrent order when you get to the last four? Why is it you do that? Does the story flow better that way?

The original sequence as written was WS, HoG, OiS, Trash, Message. This was the original sequence of filming as well. HoG was the big stumbling block, the network refused to show it, and many feel it was the reason for cancellation (network despised western imagery). That sequence was the original story line, the original story arcs.
HoG was skipped while OiS was aired, while HoG was rescripted and scenes refilmed, several times. After cancellation, with Trash already in the can, Message was finished, and scenes rescripted and reshot for HoG, and a scene for the already aired OiS was rescripted and reshot. (DVD set includes the originally aired scene from OiS, but the show on DVD has the replacement scene in it). Joss then decided the most happy ending to the series would be OiS and then rearranged the order to WS, Trash, Message, HoG, OiS. This sequence creates some discontinuities, evident in many scenes. Many original browncoats suffered through great confusion because the original airings were presented out of order as well, so further confusions do not bother them so much. I prefer a neater, more orderly presentation.

Many feel Message has the most poignant and fitting end to the series. The reason why would be spoilerish.
Just like the Pilot Serenity is the most fitting beginning to the series, the best introduction to the verse. As well, seeing the original scenes from the Pilot would be entertaining, and not spoilerish.

Yes, because the story originally flowed that way from the start, I feel the story does flow better that way.

I also do endorse the documentary Done the Impossible. I have not decided whether that would be best seen between the end of the series and before the BDM Serenity, but I suspect that would be best. Don't hold off on the movie though if you don't have DTI yet.
edit: as mentioned below, there are spoilers in DTI, so watch it after BDM Serenity.

The following thread has a listing of episodal order. Do not go past the listing part until you've seen them all, the narrative portion starts to have some spoilerish details.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.asp?b=4&t=33969

FARSCAPEMAN

Thursday, July 30, 2009 2:37 PM

so as a newbie should I watch WS, HoG, OiS, Trash, Message in that order becasue that is best? I will trust you and watch in that order if you think I should.

WINDIE

Thursday, July 30, 2009 4:23 PM

I'm just jealous, I wish I was going to visit the verse for the first time.

Why have they taken the sky from ME

ECGORDON

Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
so as a newbie should I watch WS, HoG, OiS, Trash, Message in that order becasue that is best? I will trust you and watch in that order if you think I should.

Honestly, I don't think it really matters. You're gonna love them either way, trust me.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

PLAINJAYNE

Thursday, July 30, 2009 7:42 PM

Welcome to the fan-addicts site, new peoples! I started watching almost a month ago, forced by my better half, and now he says I have a problem. I find this most amusing!

I watch over and over and over again. I find phrases from the show leaking into my normal conversations. It is a blissful insanity, and I'm enjoying the ride.

Glad to see more and more people discovering the show I love!

Day late an'a dollar short...Story of my ruttin' life!

SHINYGOODGUY

Friday, July 31, 2009 8:51 AM

Hey Farscapeman,

Don't do it. Watch it in the order that was intended by Joss and company. I will explain.

As has been mentioned by others, you will enjoy the series no matter what order but, and this I hope will make sense.

You watched the pilot episode first, correct? Ok, for me the stories just flow better from one episode to the next. There are certain things that are revealed that make sense only viewed in the originally conceived particular order. Joss wrote these stories and gave us these characters with a purpose in mind. Just what these 9 people see and what they mean to each other as time goes on.

I think you will "get it" once you see OoG (Out of Gas). Then you will appreciate what I, and others, are saying about story continuity. It is my firm belief THAT is what doomed Firefly at the outset. Fox aired the episodes out of sequence and butchered the intended continuity and flow of the story. For me, a die-hard sci-fi geek, I will follow almost any sci-fi adventure so long as it is entertaining, as well as, thought-provoking. Firefly has that in spades.

But for the average tv viewer who's looking for something new and interesting, it may take a few eps to get them hooked. So imagine, if you will, you're channel surfing on a Friday night back in 2002 and you come across Firefly. You enjoy the show and come back next week to see if it was really that good, but the show is pre-empted. And then the following week you see an episode that makes no sense because it doesn't pick up from where you left it.

I could just see Homer Simpson commenting, "Stupid show, doesn't make any sense. Why should I watch this crap. I don't get it. What's with this girl walking around barefooted? And since when does a whore get any kind of respect? Hey, the Gilmore Girls are on. I think I'll watch that."

Sorry, I took off on a tangent. But I think that Joss had a particular vision in mind of how this story should be told. Fox, in their infinite wisdom, thought differently. Fox cancels the show because of poor ratings (Quiel surprise!). The fans go ballistic on Fox and demand satisfaction. Fox, to salvage the cost of production and to try to make some cashy-money off this clunker decide to release a DVD box set.

Sales go through the roof. Fox execs gasp in amazement.
Exec wiseman #1: "How could this be? This show sucked big time."
Exec wiseman #2: "Shut up and keep counting."
They can't keep them on the shelves long enough.
Fox later teams up with Universal to create Hulu and put Firefly on the Classic TV section. CLASSIC! Is that rich or what. Fox knows where the money is coming from. Browncoats.

The fans rally and fight to get their heroes back. Along comes a nice and very smart Universal exec who gets it. She sticks her neck out and we get Serenity. Except, of course, we still don't get any respect and it's released in September 2005. Ok, the Revenge of the Sith was released in May of that year, and Batman Begins in June.

But those were the only movies of any consequence during the Summer of 2005. To jog your memory, here are just a couple of others from that summer:
The Longest Yard, Memorial Day; Mr. & Mrs. Smith 6/10; BB, 6/15; Bewitched, 6/24; War of the Worlds, 6/29; Fantastic Four, 7/8; Wedding Crashers, 7/15. Ok, I'll stop here. You get the picture. Why, in heaven's name, didn't they release it during the summer that year? It could have done much better at the box office (Serenity broke even, which, by H-wood standards means it was a flop).

Sorry about the length of this. It just irks me that there's so much crap out there and we can't have our heroes back. Just a shame, is all!

Oh, BTW welcome aboard and enjoy.

SGG

Tawabawho?

FARSCAPEMAN

Saturday, August 1, 2009 1:29 PM

know wonder it was taken off. That makes no sense. I guess if the movie didn't do well we won't get anymore.

CYBERSNARK

Saturday, August 1, 2009 2:26 PM

Actually, the reason I heard for the episode order on DVD was that OIS was intended to be the end of one "arc," with The Message being pretty much stand-alone before the next arc kicked up.

Since the "next arc" ended up not happening, Joss himself decreed that OIS worked better as a series finale (since there's a definite sense of the characters having reached a certain equilibrium, moreso than in The Message [it's still there, but it's not the focal point]).

I'd say just watch the DVD order.

Then read "Dead or Alive," the unfilmed script: http://www.fireflyfans.net/feature.asp?f=45
(Uh, may need some formatting, since the HTML is. . . odd.)

(Oh, and see if you can pick up some of the Serenity comics [sorry, "utterly respectable and mature Graphic Novels" ] before the BDM --they're not necessary, but they do bridge the gap between the series and movie.)

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

FARSCAPEMAN

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 3:24 AM

hoping watch the train job this week. Is it as well done or better then serenity? What do you all think.

PEACEKEEPER

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 3:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
hoping watch the train job this week. Is it as well done or better then serenity? What do you all think.

The Train Job is perfect as a second episode for me.But perhaps you may get a different perspective if you watch it as if it was the pilot.This is what was aired first and you do get the feeling as if you're missing something.But that was down to Fox.

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

FARSCAPEMAN

Thursday, August 6, 2009 7:29 AM

Awesome as a second episode. Knowing mall from the pilot show makes his move at the end that much better. I may be the only one but I really like Jane. HE is a riot. But I don't trust him. THe scene in the bar was great! The humor so well timed. The end when he kicked the guy into the engine and started talking to the next guy cought me off guard. So funny. When Mal finds out the guy is dead and asks if that job is open. Wow I sooooooo dig this show. You guys r so right!! FIREFLY ROCKS!!

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Thursday, August 6, 2009 9:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:
Hey Farscapeman,

Don't do it. Watch it in the order that was intended by Joss and company. I will explain.

As has been mentioned by others, you will enjoy the series no matter what order but, and this I hope will make sense.

Why do you make a statement AGAINST watching the episodes in order, but then make an argument FOR watching the episodes in original order?
Quote:

You watched the pilot episode first, correct? Ok, for me the stories just flow better from one episode to the next. There are certain things that are revealed that make sense only viewed in the originally conceived particular order. Joss wrote these stories and gave us these characters with a purpose in mind. Just what these 9 people see and what they mean to each other as time goes on.

Again, further explanation for watching the episodes in the originally scripted, filmed order, although your statement was to watch them in the re-arranged, re-sequenced, inconsistent order. Not logical.
Quote:

I think you will "get it" once you see OoG (Out of Gas). Then you will appreciate what I, and others, are saying about story continuity. It is my firm belief THAT is what doomed Firefly at the outset. Fox aired the episodes out of sequence and butchered the intended continuity and flow of the story.

Nobody is saying to watch the episodes in the order of airing. The only re-sequenced and rearranged episodes are the last 4, which werre not aired, only OiS was of those 4. Why are you talking about watching the broadcast sequence when nobody is suggesting that? Are you trying to confuse new browncoat recruits?
Quote:

But for the average tv viewer who's looking for something new and interesting, it may take a few eps to get them hooked. So imagine, if you will, you're channel surfing on a Friday night back in 2002 and you come across Firefly. You enjoy the show and come back next week to see if it was really that good, but the show is pre-empted. And then the following week you see an episode that makes no sense because it doesn't pick up from where you left it.

Again with the argument to watch in the original order with the greatest continuity, even tho you stated they should be viewed in rearranged order with the worst continuity and greatest confusion.
Quote:

Sorry, I took off on a tangent. But I think that Joss had a particular vision in mind of how this story should be told.

Again with more argument for watching in the original order, which is the order Joss envisioned, the order Joss wrote the scripts, the order Joss filmed the episodes. But your statement was to not watch in the original order, but to watch in the rearranged order. If Joss had envisioned the show in the rearranged order, he would have written them in that order, and shot them in that order, and that order would have the most consistency instead of the least consistency.

Quote:

Sorry about the length of this. It just irks me that there's so much crap out there and we can't have our heroes back. Just a shame, is all!

Oh, BTW welcome aboard and enjoy.

SGG

Cybersnark mentions that the Message was an episode after OiS, but neglects to mention that both Trash and Message were the episodes after OiS.

Farscapeman: If I could do it over, I would do it the first time in the sequence I mentioned. But I did not know what was the best way of viewing it when i first saw it, and the inconsistencies bothered me - when they didn't need to be.

ECGORDON

Thursday, August 6, 2009 1:37 PM

JSF, I think you're being a bit harsh. I certainly didn't read into his suggestions anything about the original broadcast order, he's talking about the order of the episodes on the dvd. You remember Joss, the guy who created the show, and the one who picked said dvd order? There is nothing wrong with viewing the episodes that way, even if there are a couple of inconsistencies. "Objects in Space" is the better ending, and a better lead-in to the BDM, imo.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

FARSCAPEMAN

Thursday, August 6, 2009 10:52 PM

so can we talk about the awesome train job I posted on above? I want to know what others think. What are u uberfans thoughts?

Thanks

PEACEKEEPER

Thursday, August 6, 2009 11:22 PM

You get a real good perspective on Mal in this ep,Farscapeman.You see Mal as a man of moral substance by taking the bootie back to the townsfolk and then you see what a badass he is when he boots Crow into the engine.One of my favourite moments of the show. And by the way,I suggest you ignore all the confusion about the playing order.Watch them as they are and get to know the show.Once your up to speed ,you can then argue the finer details like the rest of us.By the way,you've got Bushwhacked next.You'll see how dark the show can be aswell.As a side note,watch for Jayne's reaction to questioning.Priceless.!!!!Glad your sticking with it.I'm jealous that you're watching it fresh.Enjoy.

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

PEACEKEEPER

Thursday, August 6, 2009 11:28 PM

Farscapeman,I think it would be great if you posted something after each episode.It's great to hear thoughts from a fresh perspective. There's a big dusty brown coat waiting for you at the end of the ride,dude.!!!

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

FARSCAPEMAN

Friday, August 7, 2009 3:39 AM

THanks. My plan is to watch atleast 1 a week and post in here to get everyones thoughts. I agree with what you said about mal. I will look for jane scene u mention. I really like jane for some reason. I may be the only one.

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Friday, August 7, 2009 4:59 AM

I guess I didn't finish my post, sorry.

Farscapeman, I'm not telling you what order you need to view them. You can make that decision. I'm only providing the information about one path. Whichever you decide upon, it is likely you will re-watch the eps repeatedly, so you can always watch the future viewings in a different sequence.

Regarding TTJ, you may have noticed that, since it was the "second Pilot" it had many of the same introductory elements. All the verse, Alliance, Rimworlds, Reavers, Firefly and crew had to be explained all over again, and the choices had to be made (Deal with Patience even tho it's known to be an ambush vs take the loot back to Paradiso, and kill the Fed vs FOD Crow), the importance and status of Registered Companions, the place that Jayne should hold - and what he thinks he should, all retold in TTJ.

edit- I haven't conjured the emails here, what you said in your email is correct.

PEACEKEEPER

Friday, August 7, 2009 10:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
THanks. My plan is to watch atleast 1 a week and post in here to get everyones thoughts. I agree with what you said about mal. I will look for jane scene u mention. I really like jane for some reason. I may be the only one.

Believe me,you're nowhere near being the only one when it comes to Jayne.And bythe way,you may see from my handle that I'm also a staunch Scaper.Roll on the webisodes.

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

FARSCAPEMAN

Sunday, August 9, 2009 11:28 AM

If you had to pick one favorite episode what would it be? Can u say why without spoiling me?

ECGORDON

Sunday, August 9, 2009 1:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
If you had to pick one favorite episode what would it be? Can u say why without spoiling me?

Objects in Space is my favorite, followed by Serenity (pilot) and Out of Gas.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

PEACEKEEPER

Sunday, August 9, 2009 4:41 PM

For me,it would have to be War Stories. IMHO it is the one episode where we see the true nature of every single character in the ensemble.A lot of questions are answered and it would have beeen a great set up episode for what,sadly,should have been!!

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

STOWEAWAY

Monday, August 10, 2009 2:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:

I also do endorse the documentary Done the Impossible. I have not decided whether that would be best seen between the end of the series and before the BDM Serenity, but I suspect that would be best.

Actually, I would recommend watching the Serenity movie first and then watching the documentary Done the Impossible afterward. Spoilers abound in Done the Impossible and seeing the movie for the first time is something you definitely don't want to have spoiled.

I read a suggestion that you read the graphic novels between watching the show and the movie. I would second that recommendation -- especially "Those Left Behind". It ties up some loose ends between the show ending and the movie beginning.

You'll find that everyone here has their own favorite episode for reasons that we don't want to share with you just yet. And there are some folks like me who can't even manage to choose a favorite.

========================================================================
Check out http://www.americasfunniesttshirts.com for hilarious shirts at a great price.

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Monday, August 10, 2009 7:12 AM

There are other threads around which discuss favorite episode, character, scene, quote, etc etc. You can visit those when you've finished the series. I don't want to spoil them for you.
However, I can say that every episode has a fan who listed it as their favorite. Also every episode has at least one scene which some fan listed as their favorite in the whole series. Some episodes and scenes you might not rank as high the first time, but appreciate more on future repeat viewings.
The thing is, for many of us fans, the worst episode of Firefly is just so far above the fray of all the other shows on TV, that it is very hard to rank them for fear of omitting one which is really just such a gem among many in this show.
Have you invited some friends to gather round and watch the upcoming episodes?

SHINYGOODGUY

Thursday, August 13, 2009 5:52 PM

It's never my intention to tell anyone what to do, however I was referring to the DVD release. My guess is that Joss wanted us to see it that way.

So if it sounded like I was trying to confuse or order anyone around - then no, that was not my meaning. I wanted to share the experience that I had when I first bought my set.

My reasons for were perhaps not clear and probably somewhat confusing. Ok, if that's the case - I apologize.

SGG

Tawabawho?

WASHNWEAR

Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:
It's never my intention to tell anyone what to do, however I was referring to the DVD release. My guess is that Joss wanted us to see it that way.

So if it sounded like I was trying to confuse or order anyone around - then no, that was not my meaning. I wanted to share the experience that I had when I first bought my set.

My reasons for were perhaps not clear and probably somewhat confusing. Ok, if that's the case - I apologize.

I just stumbled back into this thread, and there's been a lot of posting since I did last read of it. Hell, dude (said WnW presumptuously), I thought you made a good, tight, and even entertaining case. I felt neither confused or as if I was being lectured to. (The 4th or 5th post I read after yours did give me the feeling that God's Own Hall Monitor was in a smiting mood, but oh well. Had it in mind to type this even before reading said post.

)

ETA: Hail and well met, Farscapeman! (Or "peace and a bottle of hair grease" - whichever you prefer.)

donttalkbackjustdrivethecarshutyourmouthiknowwhatyouaredontsaynothinkeepyourhandsonthewheeldontturnaroundthisisforreal

Still...what would Rorschach do?

FARSCAPEMAN

Friday, August 14, 2009 3:05 AM

Thanks for the greeting. I was hoping to here from more people about each show but not alot of people want to talk to the newbie I guess. lol
Is their another one thats more active?

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Friday, August 14, 2009 7:51 AM

We enjoy talking with the newbs. But we do not want to spoil your enjoyment with spoilers. You also said you would not watch more than one episode per week. Which episode were you up to?

RCAT

Friday, August 14, 2009 8:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
We enjoy talking with the newbs. But we do not want to spoil your enjoyment with spoilers. You also said you would not watch more than one episode per week. Which episode were you up to?

Agree, completely. Let us know what show you just watched and give your take so we can reply. Some of us have have read about a lot of the backstory and know where the plotlines are leading and don't want to ruin anything for you (some issues are still up in the air).

I was kind of excited when you first started posting this as seeing a fresh perspective on the episodes brings back some of the feelings I had when I first saw them. Please, don't be affraid to post your ideas or opinions (we actually want to get your 'take' on the show).

PEACEKEEPER

Friday, August 14, 2009 1:41 PM

Farscapeman,have you watched Bushwhacked yet?.Let us know your views when you have.And don't feel pushed out coz your a newbie.I am a relative newcomer myself and you will notice that a lot of Browncoats on here have been with the forum from the very start.So it stands to reason that a lot of discussions will tend to flow between the established people.Having said that,when I have ever posted I have never been ignored.Sometimes the conversations may have a tendency to wander off track a little,but that's the nature of conversation.Basically,the more you post the more your views will be heard.They are a fine bunch of peeps on this site,all with wide ranging and diverse opinions.You get the odd sledger who likes a good poke at people,but if you give as good as you get,nobody will knock you for it.Please keep returning with your views(and they are allowed to be negative ones aswell.Don't be afraid to express them).We're all adults and every view is valid.

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

FARSCAPEMAN

Friday, August 14, 2009 3:28 PM

Well three responses. Maybe I was a bit hastey.

I just watched bushwacked. Some grreat Jane in this one. We got a little more insight into the reavers. Mal saves the day. And walsh had me rolling with laughter. Very Dark compared to the last two and had a somber melencholy feel. But was broken up well with the nice bits of humor.
Kaylee upset when they called the ship junk then that's all she could talk about when questioned was a riot. They all seemed to have accepted the doc, but jane. He doesn't seem to ba a fan. PLaying pranks and everything.

So how do you guys like this episode?

NEWOLDBROWNCOAT

Friday, August 14, 2009 4:11 PM

Don't wanta spoil your fun or give away much, but Bushwacked and The Train Job are the 2 episodes I never watch, sadly. I know there's good stuff in them, but over all, I think they're TOO dark. I look upon them as sorta teething pains, where everybody was figuring out what did and didn't work. IMHO, things got better, quickly, with Shindig, Our Mrs. Reynolds, JaynesTown, and Safe, as the team hit its stride. A little bit lighter touch, a little more relief from the dark stuff.

PEACEKEEPER

Friday, August 14, 2009 4:40 PM

I love that ep.As I pointed out before F-man,the reaction of Jayne when he was being questioned by the Alliance Commander was classic.This is where you see some of Jayne's conflicting qualities.He comes across as mercenary and entirely self-absorbed most of the time.But in that instance you realise that he does have some strong loyalties.Or maybe he just despises the Alliance authority more than he has loyalty to the crew.It's ambiguous and that's what is interesting about him.Jayne is mine and you will find a lot of peoples' favourite character in not just this show,but in any show.Glad you're still with us dude.I'm swatting the mothballs off your coat as we speak.!!You've got Shindig next,and this is where you will fall head over heels in love with Kaylee.The line that I'd like you to watch out for is where the old gentleman in the episode comes to her rescue.(any more than that I cannot say.)

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

RCAT

Saturday, August 15, 2009 4:36 AM

The interrogation scenes held that ep. together and were also my fav. part. Especially liked jumping from Zoe being all closed mouthed to Wash's interview. In the extras on the fourth disk they have some outtakes of Wash from that scene that are hilarious (he's ad-libbing and trying to crack up the alliance officer). Seeing more about the reavers in Bushwacked was pretty cool (by cool I mean freaky) but it might raise some questions when you get to the movie.

ECGORDON

Saturday, August 15, 2009 2:47 PM

I see I'm not the only one who appreciates the darkness of "Bushwhacked." I think it is closer to the feel Joss wanted for the show before FOX demanded more action and humor. Also, it is a good reason for my opinion that if Joss was not able to head up a revival of the show then Tim Minear is the only other person I would trust with the job.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

TWIGA

Saturday, August 15, 2009 4:08 PM

I am so behind in becoming a part of this enthusiastic Firefly family, but better late than never!!
I became a fan through watching Castle, and have not looked back. I so look forward to reading your comments and analysis of episodes.
I am a proud Browncoat!!

PATCHIST

Saturday, August 15, 2009 7:10 PM

It makes me sad thinking this show never made it to season 2. I just watched the entire season and BDM. I almost didn't watch OiS because I don't want the series to end, but sadly I had to.

Wash's dinosaur dialog is my favorite lines for the entire series. It's just funny and plain genius.

P.S. I'm new here too.

ECGORDON

Saturday, August 15, 2009 8:43 PM

Welcome to all the noobs. Please join in the conversations in the various threads. We're friendly (mostly) and love to hear about what you think of the shiniest show in the 'verse.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

SHINYGOODGUY

Sunday, August 16, 2009 2:39 PM

Here's something to make your mind go - Hmmmmmmm.

Bushwhacked was the series second episode (as per Fox) and introduced the Reavers as the zombies/natives making live interesting for the crew (and others). It also gave us more insight as to River's character.

When I first saw this on network TV, I thought she was going to be 'someone special' to keep an eye on. But as I watched the series on DVD I noticed how little River appears throughout the series and that it kept building throughout.

What it also did was delve further into the characters for both what and how they saw their relationships. More is revealed in this ep than in the BDM (IMHO). Loved the responses by Wash and Zoe during the questioning. We see how in tune Kaylee is to Serenity (remember the pilot), we also see how Book thinks and his affect on Mal and the doctor.

We know that Mal is flawed but he thinks of his crew first and foremost, even Jayne. Jayne might be a mercenary and an opportunist, but he knows the chain of command (heh, heh!). But I don't think his loyalty is ambigious. He's loyal to captain and crew, for now, until something better comes along. Actually, I think he feels like this is family, not like the next heist at all. That one's hard to pin down.

That's what makes this show so gorram appealing.
There that makes 4 responses.

Enjoy noobs, one and all.

SGG

Tawabawho?

SHINYGOODGUY

Sunday, August 16, 2009 3:06 PM

It's a toss-up between OMR, Jaynestown and OIS....wait there's OoG/

As u can see, not easy pickins'

No matter what, enjoy at your pace.

BTW love the fact that you're a newbie and reliving FF through your eyes. Thanks for posting.

SGG

Tawabawho?

FARSCAPEMAN

Monday, August 17, 2009 6:42 PM

THANKS ALL! I am geeky enough that I am writing down your responses and keeping them by the dvd of what to watch out for. Thanks for the teasers.
Anything that adds to the fun of watching is cool!! Anyone have any good firefly song mp3's? I hear those are out there as well.

gorram appealing

What is gorram?

RIPWASH

Monday, August 17, 2009 8:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
THANKS ALL! I am geeky enough that I am writing down your responses and keeping them by the dvd of what to watch out for. Thanks for the teasers.
Anything that adds to the fun of watching is cool!! Anyone have any good firefly song mp3's? I hear those are out there as well.

gorram appealing

What is gorram?

"Gorram" was one of Joss' ways of getting the characters to cuss without being censored (cussing in Chinese was the other way). "Gorram" as a replacement for the big G*d*mn and "rutting" (or "ruttin") for the F-bomb is how I always took it.

I have a whole plethora of MP3's from the show I downloaded from the site that someone was good enough to post, but can't remember where at the moment.

*********************************************

"It's okay! I'm a leaf on the wind!!!"
"What does that mean?!?!?!"

NIKI2

Monday, August 17, 2009 8:37 PM

Oh, my, I'm coming in WAAY late, apparently you started back in July, yes? Where are you now, and why aren't you telling us about each epi as you've watched them, huh, huh, HUH?? Don't you know some of us are DYING to enjoy vicariously what you're experiencing?

Okay, my grin got bigger and bigger as I read down this thread, then I realized I'd be reading all day and skipped down to reply. So I may repeat what others have said; if so, please excuse.

I, too, envy you mightily. I found Firefly last year, and it was the first time I've ever gone looking for a fansite to join, which speaks for itself.

I've been on another Firefly board ever since, and just "set up house" on this one a couple of days ago, so I guess I'm a "newbie-but-not-a-newbie", or something. Still "new" enough to know how you feel, but I've learned a lot from other Browncoats. You still have SO much fun ahead of you!

What I didn't learn until now was the sequence stuff mentioned early on in this thread. I'm just now opening up the 'verse to my husband, so I'm going to take notes too (and you don' hafta be a geek to do that, trust me, just a Browncoat!) so he sees it "right" the first time.

Me, I saw Serenity the movie first...bumped across it in the video store, looked interesting, rented, LOVED it and that was that. Being a fan of Buffy--well, the show anyway--and Joss as well, I heard about Firefly, rented it, and it seemed somehow vaguely familiar. When I rented Serenity afterwards, I laughed out loud: THAT was why it was familiar, and why I liked the movie so much!

I know the whole story now, and yes, do pick up "Done the Impossible"--it's cheap and there are people here and on other Firefly websites who are in it, and it tells the tale. Whether you see it before or after Serenity doesn't matter to me, but me, I had to eat every DVD, all the extras, everything I could get my hands on before I got around to DOD.

I'm still amazed at how new people keep showing up here and elsewhere who are just now discovering Firefly. Weird, isn't it? I don't know if anyone has given it a name or not, but I call it the "Firefly Effect"...'cuz it's not just Joss, it's the whole THING.

So here's my "Firefly Effect" story, for your entertainment.

I'm a sci fi buff, even bad sci fi, so it was no surprise Firefly knocked my socks off, or so I thought. I talked about it endlessly, and about the Firefly forum I was on, and joked to my husband that he knew I was going to make him watch it eventually, didn't he? He sighed and said yes (after 30+ years of marriage, he doesn't fight it anymore!).

Meanwhile, I had exposed my good friend who lives with us. This is someone NOT into sci fi at all. She fell in love. We started just night before last on our second go-around: AT HER REQUEST. If you knew her, you'd know how weird this is...she's only seen bits of movies her kids had on the TV as they grew up, rarely goes to movies, and before coming here never saw anything twice. That tells the tale.

So finally I got around to exposing Jim. Here's where it gets really funny. My husband is 70. He's always been a "world is half full" kinda guy. Negatives are BIG, positives are leeetle. He's not a fan of anything; he likes reading sci fi, but has walked out of many movies, is pretty picky, and doesn't particularly like sci fi series or movies.

So we watched epi 1. He's got hearing trouble, so half way through he took a break to mow the lawn and when I asked him what he thought, he said "I can't make out a lot of it and I'm confused". So I put subtitles on (which he religiously puts on now when he watches it...and ONLY then!) and gave him some background. When we finished the second half, I asked what he thought. First words out of his mouth: "And they CANCELLED THIS??????"

He is now "rationing" the rest of the DVDs (he's a stronger man than I!!!). He will only watch one epi a weekend, if that, and not another until he has rewatched that one at least once (sometimes twice). Every time he watches an epi, he comes aw

NIKI2

Monday, August 17, 2009 9:07 PM

Okay, now double damn, I just went back and read through the entire thread. I missed some fun stuff...but you can be sure I've bookmarked this thread and will be with you to the VERY end, each epi, to see what you think.

I'm not talking about my favorite epi until you've seen them all, so there! But you just saw Bushwhacked, so okay. It's one of my least favorites, because of the darkness, but the interview scenes do knock my socks off.

And you are DEFINITELY not alone; as my previous post described Jim, you can get an image when I tell you Jayne is ABSOLUTELY his favorite character. I've been thinking since I've seen it this many times around; I think Jayne, in his way, fulfills somewhat the same place as Spike did in Buffy: the "outsider" who gets all the great throwaway lines. In Spike's case it's the "bright outsider" who sees what really is outside the teenage angst, in Jayne's, the "dumb outsider" who gets to make the stupid remarks but who also sees the "grittier" version of what's going on. What do you think?

I got to meet Adam briefly a few months back at our WonderCon; he's much better looking in person! A real sweetie, too...although I've been told his politics and how he posted got pretty "Jayne-ish". Can you imagine these lucky people getting to POST back and forth to these guys??? The other board I was on, Joss, Nathan AND Adam were at one time members...I'm sooo jealous!!!

One of the things that continues to blow me away is the cast themselves. I've now heard each and every one of them remark to the effect that Firefly was the best work they ever did; just recently someone posted Nathan mentioning at ComiCon that they'd just had a "reunion barbecue"...seven years later?? When have you ever heard of such a thing?

They all seem so amazingly real, in the way they made it a family, not only cast (and of course Joss), but crew, writers...they all seem to respect each other and CARE about one another...again...what other series...?

Oh, I dunno if you picked it up or not, but in this thread anyway I didn't see any follow-up to your question about Chinese and why it's spoken. From background stuff I got that Joss decided the two existing superpowers, China/USA, would be the ones most likely to create the "Alliance" once we moved out into the 'verse. Ergo, while there are influences from all of Earth That Was (as you'll see in Shinding...boy, will'ya!), everyone speaks Chinese and English comfortably, and there's a strong Oriental influence to be seen everywhere. If someone else explained that to you, forgive my repetition.

Keep updating us, Far; I guarantee I'll be here, and we'll bring it to the top every time so others come by. It's wunnnnnerful to follow someone else's "first time thru"!

Enjoy Shindig; admittedly another not-one-of-my-favorites, but if you don't come away an absolute smitten softie about Kaylee, well, there's something wrong wit 'ya!

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 9:10 AM

What's going on?
Not a thing. Right Kaylee?
Nope. Not a gorram thing.
Looks like a thing to me.

He's just a mite suspicious.

Then,
Jayne. You'll scare the women.

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 9:21 AM

After NIKI2's post, I think a good suggestion for those who are rationing themselves would be to take each opportunity to re-watch the episodes they have already watched, or at least the last few, leading up to the newest one. Like when watching Shindig on Saturday, watch Pilot Serenity on Thursday, Train Job and Bushwhacked on Friday, and then the new one on Sat. Or similar.
Just thought of it, and wanted to pass it along. Never would have thought of it because the concept of rationing out a show this good is beyond my comprehension. But good luck to you with it. I am far too impulsive and impatient with quality works, gotta immerse myself in it, and many here were like junkies, watching marathons to get through all the eps. I'm thinking another catchphrase would be "Firefy junkie" but I suspect it was already coined before my time.

I am making this point to you newbs because this is one of those rare shows which you can rewatch many times, and still see new things in each episode, and see things differenty after seeing the following episode or 2, or the whole series. So reviewing the last few episodes before the new one should be enjoyable - many of us still enjoy the 50th viewing, still catching things we didn't before (how did I miss that?).

And NIKI2: it seems like you have not read the Official Companions or Visual Companions (one for Serenity, 2 Vols for Firefly), and I think you would really enjoy them. Should still be able to order them from your bookstore.

MEATPUPPET42

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 10:07 AM

Hello everyone I have a different view because I used to work night shift and did not know firefly existed and had seen the movie in dvd only. A few months ago I started to watch firefly on reruns in Australia and was hooked! I cannot believe such a great show was canceled. When you look back and see the first season of star trek TNG and think this was crap with their gay music in the back ground, I think how was this left on the air and firefly was not? They would have made a lot of money if firefly was to continue for a few years. The writing and camera work was far superior than anything else out there.
btw went out and bought the dvd's so i can watch the show over and over

I love it! It's like wiping your ass with silk.

FARSCAPEMAN

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:33 PM

Wow! SOme great threads. Like the thought own why chinese. If gorum is a replace meant swear what is it's meaning. Is gorum chinese for god? or is the meaning never told. I don't want firefly to go to quickly so the once a week alows me to l ive with each show longer. Mull them over. Think about em before going on to the next one. Thanks For taking the time to post I reall, really enjoyed reading t hem.

ps
peacekeeper, is that a farscape refrence?

PEACEKEEPER

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 4:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
Wow! SOme great threads. Like the thought own why chinese. If gorum is a replace meant swear what is it's meaning. Is gorum chinese for god? or is the meaning never told. I don't want firefly to go to quickly so the once a week alows me to l ive with each show longer. Mull them over. Think about em before going on to the next one. Thanks For taking the time to post I reall, really enjoyed reading t hem.

ps
peacekeeper, is that a farscape refrence?

Do you mean the tag line about the grace of age?.If so,yes.It's from Chricton Kicks.(s4,ep1).It's what the female pilot of Rovu(leviathan that John has been trapped on)says to him when he apologises for having to take her away from the burial space.Full quote is,"No dream is guaranteed Commander.With the grace of age we learn to accept."

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

NIKI2

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 5:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
After NIKI2's post, I think a good suggestion for those who are rationing themselves would be to take each opportunity to re-watch the episodes they have already watched, or at least the last few, leading up to the newest one. Like when watching Shindig on Saturday, watch Pilot Serenity on Thursday, Train Job and Bushwhacked on Friday, and then the new one on Sat. Or similar.
Just thought of it, and wanted to pass it along. Never would have thought of it because the concept of rationing out a show this good is beyond my comprehension. But good luck to you with it. I am far too impulsive and impatient with quality works, gotta immerse myself in it, and many here were like junkies, watching marathons to get through all the eps. I'm thinking another catchphrase would be "Firefy junkie" but I suspect it was already coined before my time.

I am making this point to you newbs because this is one of those rare shows which you can rewatch many times, and still see new things in each episode, and see things differenty after seeing the following episode or 2, or the whole series. So reviewing the last few episodes before the new one should be enjoyable - many of us still enjoy the 50th viewing, still catching things we didn't before (how did I miss that?).

And NIKI2: it seems like you have not read the Official Companions or Visual Companions (one for Serenity, 2 Vols for Firefly), and I think you would really enjoy them. Should still be able to order them from your bookstore.

Jewel, I agree with every word. I'm enjoying watching them again with both Jim and Choey, and I would add that watching them once with the subtitles on opened up whole new doors for me in things I missed, throwaway lines, and things I didn't hear correctly before.

Yes, I bought both...haven't read them, and they turned out to be something I'm not all that interested in. Given your comments, I may now. BUT, I also got "Finding Serenity" and "Serenity Found", and have read those from cover to cover and adored both. I can't describe what they are, perhaps "essays on everything Firefly & Joss" is the closest I can get, but they're GREAT.

I wouldn't advise getting ANY of the above before seeing the entire series and the movie, tho', for obvious reasons.

I haven't the self-control you do, either, once I'd seen the first epi, I gobbled like crazy. Didn't sit through it all in one night, tho', recognizing if I did I'd be too overloaded and groggy to appreciate it, but it didn't take a week, fer shore!

Jim said yesterday that rewatching them right away was something he enjoyed, that he got a fuller appreciation before moving on to the next one. I was in too much of a hurry! After "Out of Gas" this weekend by the way, he was angrier than at any previous epi--I assume it will be one of his favorites--saying it was so well done, he's amazed all over again at the stupidity...etc. Of course he's right. Never seen him so head-up about ANYTHING before; have to admit, while it makes me angry too, have to giggle at his level of anger. Fascinating.

NIKI2

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 5:37 PM

Farscape; I admire your self-control as I am admiring Jim's. It's a good thing...unfortunately some of us don't possess it!

Yesterday I went to some sites which deal with Chinese from Firefly (there are numerous ones, natch). They said gorram is a made-up word, a replacement for "goddamn" used by Joss to avoid censorship, just as "frik" was used Battlestar Gallactica.

BSG, by the way, is why I forked out the extra dough to get more cable. It didn't catch me, but I ended up with BBCA as well, which brought me Torchwood and Dr. Who, which I thoroughly enjoy. Interesting what you find by accident. An Ozzie friend had recommended Torchwood, but I'd figured I'd have to rent the DVDs...what a treat to find it on TV, except that there was only the last epi of that season then it was gone (until Children of Earth), so I ended up having to rent it anyway. Still, fun!

RIPWASH

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 6:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Niki2:
Jim said yesterday that rewatching them right away was something he enjoyed, that he got a fuller appreciation before moving on to the next one. I was in too much of a hurry! After "Out of Gas" this weekend by the way, he was angrier than at any previous epi--I assume it will be one of his favorites--saying it was so well done, he's amazed all over again at the stupidity...etc. Of course he's right. Never seen him so head-up about ANYTHING before; have to admit, while it makes me angry too, have to giggle at his level of anger. Fascinating.

I have to say, Niki, that I can truly sympathize with Jim. Out of Gas is probably my absolute favorite episode. The editing and storytelling are just phenomenal. The ending, when Mal is remembering the first time he sees Serenity . . . just puts a smile of pure unadulterated joy on my face. You see the "love at first sight" look he has and you feel the same thing.

On my first viewing of the series, that episode was when I really started to get flustered. One would expect that a cancelled show would have declined in quality over the run (and thus the reason for cancellation), but GORRAMIT!!! this show just kept getting better and better. By the last episode I was like, "Wha . . . ? But . . . . How could . . . . . ? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Fortunately we got Serenity. I do think, however, the movie lost a bit of the spirit of the series and I think it's because part of the heart was missing. Greg Edmonson's music really made the series, so why Joss didn't push for Universal to sign him on as composer for the film makes me scratch my head. Perhaps he did. I dunno.

*********************************************

"It's okay! I'm a leaf on the wind!!!"
"What does that mean?!?!?!"

FARSCAPEMAN

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 3:43 PM

You took the time to look up the word for little old me ?thanks!

A farscape fan is here!! Great show huh?

I am going slow and rewatching the episode later down the week. As good as I heard the show was I didn't want a poof then it was gone kind of thing. Glad I have the movie to wrap it all up with.

PATCHIST

Thursday, August 20, 2009 6:02 PM

I do believe gorram does mean 'goddamnit' and rutting is one for 'effing'. Yeah it's like ''frak' was for BSG.

I have to say that my favorite episode was Ariel. Simon's one of my early favorites of the show and I like how he dominated on this episode. Much was revealed about him. Seeing the city in Ariel is like seeing what the central planets/moons are like. We were used to seeing the canyons and the dirt and the third-world-ish ways for the border planets.

NIKI2

Thursday, August 20, 2009 6:26 PM

Ah, Patchist, you caught one I missed. Yes, when I went to that Chinese translation website, they said that as well. About "rutting". I actually hadn't noticed the term when I watched the series--several times--until I saw it in the subtitles when I watched it with Jim. It's pretty obvious in both cases, actually, "gorramit" is so close to "goddamnit" and "rutting" is another word for "effing".

I'd like to find the time to learn Chinese, or at least the stuff used in Firefly, if nothing else. The problem is, I can't find anything on the net that's VERBAL...they "explain" the various intonations (since Chinese is a language where intonations can be everything), and it was too confusing...plus I have no way of knowing if I'm speaking it right. If I could find a site with verbalizations of the words, I'd go for it!

SHINYGOODGUY

Friday, August 21, 2009 1:43 AM

That's how I took it as well, RW.
-------------------------------------------------

"Gorram" was one of Joss' ways of getting the characters to cuss without being censored (cussing in Chinese was the other way). "Gorram" as a replacement for the big G*d*mn and "rutting" (or "ruttin") for the F-bomb is how I always took it.
--------------------------------------------------

Zoe: "Take me, take me hard, Sir"

SGG

Tawabawho?

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Friday, August 21, 2009 7:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Niki2:
Ah, Patchist, you caught one I missed. Yes, when I went to that Chinese translation website, they said that as well. About "rutting". I actually hadn't noticed the term when I watched the series--several times--until I saw it in the subtitles when I watched it with Jim. It's pretty obvious in both cases, actually, "gorramit" is so close to "goddamnit" and "rutting" is another word for "effing".

I'd like to find the time to learn Chinese, or at least the stuff used in Firefly, if nothing else. The problem is, I can't find anything on the net that's VERBAL...they "explain" the various intonations (since Chinese is a language where intonations can be everything), and it was too confusing...plus I have no way of knowing if I'm speaking it right. If I could find a site with verbalizations of the words, I'd go for it!

If you're only looking for Firefly translations, I thought you said you had the 3 Companion Books - the script usually has the translations right there.

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Friday, August 21, 2009 7:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Niki2:

Yes, I bought both...haven't read them, and they turned out to be something I'm not all that interested in. Given your comments, I may now. BUT, I also got "Finding Serenity" and "Serenity Found", and have read those from cover to cover and adored both. I can't describe what they are, perhaps "essays on everything Firefly & Joss" is the closest I can get, but they're GREAT.

Have you got a copy of Map of the Verse yet? It comes in foldup or rolled up version. I got one of each.

ASARIAN

Friday, August 21, 2009 10:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Many feel Message has the most poignant and fitting end to the series. (...)

Yes, because the story originally flowed that way from the start, I feel the story does flow better that way.

'Many' has a way excluding many. :) Like yours truly. Despite The Message being a possibly good end, OiS, to me, is by far the best finale: it's grand, epic, and with the one "I can win this!" -- which still gives me the chills -- Joss brings a measure of resolution and closure, not just to River, but to the crew as a whole: you'll know they'll keep flyin'. It's like hearing the voice of Joss, gently whispering: "Do not worry so; it's going to be alright."

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

ASARIAN

Friday, August 21, 2009 12:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:

"Gorram" was one of Joss' ways of getting the characters to cuss without being censored (cussing in Chinese was the other way). "Gorram" as a replacement for the big G*d*mn

I believe Joss meant to do more than just evading the censors. I strongly believe 'gorram' was supposed to be how actual Chinese folks would pronounce 'god damn'. The sinocized version of the English cuss, as it were; much like 'Godzilla' is the anglicized form of the Japanese 'Gojira'.

Much as I love Firefly, gotta say though, frak and frakkin' work better. :)

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

NIKI2

Friday, August 21, 2009 4:53 PM

Jewel:

Like I said, I got 'em but just glanced through 'em and discovered they were mostly the script, then when I got Finding Serenity and Serenity Found and LOVED those, I never went back.

Will do so, but like I said, I won't even try if I can't find something which gives me the actual oral translation...too much intonation for me to think I got anything right.

Tho' I did finally figure out what "gou se" means, watching an epi with Jim or another one with Choey, forget which (I insist on watching with them whenever they watch an epi, of COURSE!).

And no, haven't gotten map. Not particularly interested, and trying to save money. If I buy anything more FF oriented, it will be more books on Joss, etc. Those two were fascinating.

________________________
Together we are more than the sum of our parts

NIKI2

Friday, August 21, 2009 4:55 PM

Asarian: Hey, I hadn't caught the potential of "gorram" being how Orientals would pronounce "goddamn"...very good! I think you're right, by the way.

________________________
Together we are more than the sum of our parts

FARSCAPEMAN

Saturday, August 22, 2009 10:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by asarian:
Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:

"Gorram" was one of Joss' ways of getting the characters to cuss without being censored (cussing in Chinese was the other way). "Gorram" as a replacement for the big G*d*mn

I believe Joss meant to do more than just evading the censors. I strongly believe 'gorram' was supposed to be how actual Chinese folks would pronounce 'god damn'. The sinocized version of the English cuss, as it were; much like 'Godzilla' is the anglicized form of the Japanese 'Gojira'.

Much as I love Firefly, gotta say though, frak and frakkin' work better. :)

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

I always liked FRell and Dren myself.

PEACEKEEPER

Sunday, August 23, 2009 1:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
Quote:
Originally posted by asarian:
Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:

"Gorram" was one of Joss' ways of getting the characters to cuss without being censored (cussing in Chinese was the other way). "Gorram" as a replacement for the big G*d*mn

I believe Joss meant to do more than just evading the censors. I strongly believe 'gorram' was supposed to be how actual Chinese folks would pronounce 'god damn'. The sinocized version of the English cuss, as it were; much like 'Godzilla' is the anglicized form of the Japanese 'Gojira'.

Much as I love Firefly, gotta say though, frak and frakkin' work better. :)

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

I always liked FRell and Dren myself.

you must be farbots.don't be such a trelk.!!!

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

MALSDOXY

Sunday, August 23, 2009 4:34 PM

you will find, as many browncoats have, that your fav will change many, many times throughout the course of the series

"Haven't you killed me enough for one day ?"
- Mal, War Stories

FARSCAPEMAN

Monday, August 24, 2009 8:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by peacekeeper:
Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:
Quote:
Originally posted by asarian:
Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:

"Gorram" was one of Joss' ways of getting the characters to cuss without being censored (cussing in Chinese was the other way). "Gorram" as a replacement for the big G*d*mn

I believe Joss meant to do more than just evading the censors. I strongly believe 'gorram' was supposed to be how actual Chinese folks would pronounce 'god damn'. The sinocized version of the English cuss, as it were; much like 'Godzilla' is the anglicized form of the Japanese 'Gojira'.

Much as I love Firefly, gotta say though, frak and frakkin' work better. :)

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

I always liked FRell and Dren myself.
you must be farbots.don't be such a trelk.!!!

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

lol!!

ASARIAN

Monday, August 24, 2009 12:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by peacekeeper:
Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:

I always liked FRell and Dren myself.
you must be farbots.don't be such a trelk.!!!

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm not your kid, I'm not your sister, and I'm only your tralk in your dreams."

(Guess who said that? Hint: it starts with 'Chi' and ends in 'ana')

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

PATCHIST

Monday, August 24, 2009 2:20 PM

What are you guys talking about?

ASARIAN

Monday, August 24, 2009 2:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Patchist:
What are you guys talking about?

Farscape, of course. You'd think that 'farscapeman' and 'peacekeeper' gave it away. :)

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

FARSCAPEMAN

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 9:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by asarian:
Quote:
Originally posted by peacekeeper:
Quote:
Originally posted by farscapeman:

I always liked FRell and Dren myself.
you must be farbots.don't be such a trelk.!!!

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm not your kid, I'm not your sister, and I'm only your tralk in your dreams."

(Guess who said that? Hint: it starts with 'Chi' and ends in 'ana')

Was it Dargo? lol
--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

PEACEKEEPER

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 9:20 PM

Come on Farscapeman,what happened to watching firefly? I'm itching to talk about Shindig!!!!

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

PATCHIST

Thursday, August 27, 2009 12:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by asarian:

Farscape, of course. You'd think that 'farscapeman' and 'peacekeeper' gave it away. :)

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

Uh sorry, I'm not a Farscape fan. Haven't watched it yet.